Modular Exercise System

ABSTRACT

A modular exercise system is described wherein the system utilizes a universal hydraulic actuator attached to a mount. A connector is attached to the universal hydraulic actuator opposite the mount. The universal hydraulic actuator preferably comprises two hydraulic rotary actuators with non-parallel axis of rotation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/018,241, filed Jun. 27, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is generally related to machines for performing physical exercises, and more particularly, to an improved modular exercise system that enables a person to perform a wide range of repetitive exercises in seated or standing positions and while moving throughout a 360° range of motion with controlled resistance throughout the range of motion.

By way of background, hydraulic fitness equipment is a type of exercise equipment used for strength training through resistance. Instead of adjustable weight increments or free weights, however, this kind of equipment utilizes a hydraulic cylinder to provide the resistance. The cylinder is meant to allow a user to work at various levels of exertion without having to make any adjustments to the machine. For this reason, hydraulic fitness equipment is particularly suitable for use in low impact workouts and workouts designed to tone the body. Hydraulic fitness equipment is also imminently suitable for locations where weights are undesirable or where safety is a concern.

Linear hydraulic cylinders use oil or another type of fluid that is pressurized with the level of resistance controlled by the ease with which the pressurized fluid passes through an orifice to relieve the pressure. By pushing on a padded bar or a flat surface connected to the cylinder, force is exerted on a piston inside the cylinder, allowing for movement on the machine. In this way, hydraulic fitness equipment that uses these cylinders, rather than adjustable weights, is thought to create more resistance the harder one pushes. Those who are relatively weak may push slowly and still achieve a fruitful workout with minimal effort while those who have built up strength can perform faster movements to achieve a more strenuous workout.

Benefits of the high intensity training allowed by linear hydraulic equipment is low in impact meaning there's no strain on the user's joints. One will burn more calories than by traditional means such as a treadmill or cardiovascular equipment. The technology behind the hydraulic system means the body is never stretched beyond its capabilities, but to its optimum level, meaning there's little to no post exercise pain.

A somewhat more subtle drawback to the conventional linear hydraulic equipment is that it operates typically in only a linear motion. The principle objectives of the conventional hydraulic machines are flexibility, strength and balance. Although desirable goals in themselves, persons engaged in modern fitness regimens very frequently wish to achieve core strength. More specifically, individuals often wish to develop core strength for specific sports such as golf, tennis, and martial arts or they wish to develop an overall fitness that benefits their daily lives. The original hydraulic equipment is founded on linear motion in which muscle-specific machines are tailored, but such a regimen does not significantly engage core muscles nor incorporate closed chain exercise; meaning that multiple muscles are not engaged simultaneously.

Certain modern machines have been developed that may be considered to be improvements on, or successors to, conventional hydraulic equipment, but the need nevertheless remains for machines offering a greater degree of variation and sophistication in the exercises that can be performed. Furthermore, to be successful in a modern studio environment, such machines need to be not only comfortable and user friendly, but also adequately durable for sustained usage by multiple classes virtually every day of the year while remaining sufficiently affordable so that a studio can reasonably be outfitted with multiple units.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an exercise system that allows a person to perform the exercises of which conventional linear hydraulic equipment are capable while also allowing for additional exercises in various standing, seated and moving positions. Furthermore, there exists a need for such an exercise system that enables the person to perform exercises that effectively increase core strength and engage various muscle groups simultaneously, in order to achieve the goal of improved flexibility, strength, balance and overall physical fitness. Still further, there exists a need for such an exercise system that is well suited to use in the environment of a modern exercise studio or similar facility, and that allows the desired exercises to be performed by a group of individuals using a single type of machine. Still further, there exists a need for such an exercise system that is durable and able to sustain extended use in a studio environment, and that also can be constructed in an efficient and economical manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a modular exercise system with resistance control throughout a range of motion.

It is another object of the invention to provide a modular exercise system wherein the resistance is systematically controllable such that certain regions within the range of motion can have higher or lower resistance than other regions within the range of motion.

These and other embodiments, as will be realized, are provided in a modular exercise system comprising a mount, a universal hydraulic actuator attached to the mount and a connector attached to the universal hydraulic actuator opposite the mount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic partial view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic partial view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic partial view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is directed to a modular exercise system comprising hydraulics. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a modular exercise system utilizing a universal hydraulic actuator comprising, preferably orthogonal, rotary hydraulic actuators whereby resistance can be provided in a 360° range of motion with the resistance being variable and controllable, with selectivity and specificity, throughout the range of motion.

The invention will be described with reference to the various figures forming an integral, non-limiting, component of the disclosure. Throughout the various figures similar elements will be numbered accordingly.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 wherein FIG. 1 is a schematic top view, FIG. 2 is a schematic top perspective view, FIG. 3 is a schematic end view and FIG. 4 is a schematic side view. In FIGS. 1-4, an accessory, 22, is attached to a mount through a universal hydraulic actuator, 18, wherein the universal hydraulic actuator has, preferably orthogonal, hydraulic rotary actuators wherein the hydraulic rotary actuators provide controlled resistance of movement of the accessory. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the mount is moveable along a rail 10 thereby allowing the position to be moved laterally along the rail. If mounted vertically on a wall, for example, the lateral movement may be higher and lower, along the wall or some combination thereof. Rail 10 is preferably connected to a surface, such as a floor, a wall or both, by connectors, 12 and 14, which may independently be fixed, rotational or movable connectors. The mount preferably includes a base plate 16 preferably mounted to the rail 10, preferably so as to slide along the rail. A flange adjustor or locking device 28 reversibly engages the rail such that when the locking device is not engaged the base plate can slide along the rail and when the locking device is engaged the base plate remains at a fixed position along the rail. A curved rail is illustrated with the understanidn that the rail may be linear. A pair of parallel rail elements are illustrated with the understanicng that a single rail may be used. Round rails are exemplary, especially when used in pairs, otherwise a single rail which is either round or other shapes may be used. Universal hydraulic actuator 18 is mounted either directly to the base plate 16 or to a flange bearing 26 between the base plate and universal hydraulic actuator. The intervening flange bearing allows the universal hydraulic actuator to rotate with a preference for the rotation to be reversibly fixed at discrete or infinite rotational angles. A connector 20 connects the universal hydraulic actuator 18 to the accessory 22 preferably in a reversible manner allowing the accessory to be replaced with another accessory of the same or a different function.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 wherein the universal hydraulic actuator is illustrated with more specificity. The universal hydraulic actuator comprises, preferably orthogonal, hydraulic rotary actuators 181 and 182. The hydraulic rotary actuators allow resistive rotation at two non-parallel axis wherein the axis are preferably perpendicular or orthogonal. By having the axis orthogonal to each other the rotation resistance in the two hydraulic rotary actuators is decoupled such that rotation within a 360° arc can be achieved and the resistance within the arc can be increased or decreased by controlling the resistance of the two hydraulic rotary actuators. It would be apparent to those of skill in the art that non-orthogonal axis would create regions wherein resistance of the separate hydraulic rotary actuators is coupled thereby making control throughout the entire range of motion more difficult. Each hydraulic rotary actuator allows resistive rotation about an axis indicated by arrow A and arrow B wherein arrow A indicates rotation about a first shaft 183 wherein rotational resistance is provided by first hydraulic rotary actuator 181 and arrow B indicates rotation about a second shaft 184 wherein rotational resistance is provided by a second hydraulic rotary actuator 182. An idler may be provided for stability. Alternatively, the connector may be integral to the first hydraulic rotary actuator. Hydraulic flow in each hydraulic rotary actuator can be coupled, the flow can be independently controlled, or a combination thereof. Controllers are defined as adjust elements for altering the rotational resistance of a hydraulic rotary actuator. A first controller 186 may be a master control for the first hydraulic rotary actuator or it may be a slave controller for an optional primary master controller 188. Similarly, a second controller 187 may be a master control for the second hydraulic rotary actuator or it may be a slave controller for the optional primary master controller 188. With coupled hydraulic control the rotational resistance is the same for the first shaft as for the second shaft. With independent control the rotational resistance for the first shaft is independent of the rotational resistance of the second shaft therefore rotational resistance for the first shaft may be higher or lower than the rotational resistance for the second shaft. An optional slide collar 30 slides on the accessory 22 and parallel thereto. The slide collar allows the user to rotate the accessory on a pivot point defined by the universal hydraulic actuator while moving also allowing movement along the accessory thereby providing more complex motions. The slide collar may move along the accessory without resistance or the sliding motion may be resistive. Resistive sliding may be by spring resistance, friction resistance or a controlled resistance such as a linear hydraulic cylinder. The slide collar may also rotate freely on the accessory, may be rotationally fixed or may have resistive rotation.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 a portion of the invention is illustrated schematically thereby allowing for visualization of individual components. A rail 10 is attachable to a surface, such as a wall, by mounting brackets 12 and 14. The base plate 16, flange bearing 26 and locking device 28 are as described elsewhere herein. An optional rotational restrictor 37 reversibly restricts rotation of the flange bearing on the base plate with preference for indexing of the rotation at predetermined angles. The rail may have a pivot 31 thereby allowing the rail to be rotated on the pivot and a pin 39 which increases the range of locations for the universal hydraulic actuator.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in partial schematic view in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7 a secondary rail 10′ has multiple base plates mounted thereon thereby allowing for activities utilizing two universal hydraulic actuators simultaneously or independently. The universal hydraulic actuators would be mounted on each base plate, preferably with a flange bearing, wherein the base plate is preferably slidably engaged with the rail and rotational relative to the rail. The secondary rail is preferably slidably mounted on a rail 10 by a bracket 29 and also preferably rotational relative to the rail. As would be realized additional base plates may be used on either the rail or the secondary rail to provide multiple universal hydraulic actuators mounted in multiple locations thereby allowing for the use of multiple accessories in virtually any location desired for tailored exercise by an individual or to accommodate more users.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in partial schematic side view in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the rail 10 is attached to a hitch bracket 34 which is received in a vehicle receiver hitch 35 and secured by a hitch pin 36 thereby allowing for transport and remote use.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with respect to FIG. 9 wherein a multi-stationed modular exercise system 200 is illustrated schematically. In FIG. 9, four stations are illustrated for convenience with the understanding that the number of stations may be more or less. The stations are preferable arranged symmetrically such that each station may function alone or adjacent stations may be used in tandem for simultaneous use. Each station comprises a rail 202 wherein the rail preferably comprises parallel sub-rails. The rail preferably transitions from vertical to horizontal such that the universal hydraulic actuator can be positioned at any angle related to the floor or wall by sliding up or down the rail. A rail lock 204, which is either integral to the base plate or separate therefrom, reversibly engages the rail to secure the universal hydraulic actuator in a predetermined location. A lower base 206 and upper base 207 are preferred for structural stability.

It is preferably that the axis of rotation of each hydraulic rotational actuator be at an angle relative to the length of the rail. In a particularly preferred embodiment it is preferable that the axis of rotation be at a 45° angle relative to the rail as this provides maximum control.

An embodiment of the first rotary actuator 181 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 where a hydraulic rotary actuator is illustrated in schematic cross-sectional view wherein it is understood that the second rotary actuator may be the same or a variation thereof. In FIG. 10 the hydraulic rotary actuator 181 comprises a cylinder 30 with at least one cylinder vane 32 attached thereto or fixed relative thereto. The shaft 183 has a shaft vane 34 attached thereto wherein the shaft vane rotates within the cylinder in concert with rotation of the shaft. The cavity 38 is filled with fluid such that when the shaft attempts to rotate the fluid inhibits rotation. Ports 36 allow the fluid to pass between the chambers thereby allowing the shaft to rotate with a rotational resistance defined by the difficulty associated with fluid movement between the two chambers 38. The ports are illustrated as being in the cylinder vanes as a preferred location without limit thereto. By way of example, if counter-clockwise rotation of the shaft was attempted the fluid in chamber 38 would be compressed between the two vanes thereby prohibiting rotation. Fluid would be allowed to pass into port 36 and back out 36′ thereby moving fluid from chamber 38 to chamber 38′ allowing the shaft to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as the fluid in chamber 38 is reduced. For clockwise rotation the fluid would flow into port 36′ thereby removing fluid from chamber 38′ and the fluid would flow back into chamber 38 from port 36. A flow controller 40 controls the rotational resistance. If flow through the flow controller is more difficult the rotational resistance is higher and if flow is less difficult rotational resistance is lower. An optional magnetorheologic fluid controller, 42, is illustrated schematically in FIG. 10. The optional magnetorheologic fluid controller works in conjunction with a magnetorheological fluid wherein the viscosity of the fluid is a function of magnetic field and may be used in conjunction with the controller 40 or instead of controller 40. Therefore, as the magnetic field is increased the viscosity of the fluid increases thereby increasing rotational resistance to the shaft. Limiting the movement of the magnetorheologic fluid can provide greater resistance to the rotation of the shaft in the actuator, whereas less resistance can be provided through freer flow of the magnetorheologic fluid.

A flow controller will be described with reference to FIGS. 11a and 11b wherein a flow controller is illustrated in schematic side view in FIG. 11a and schematic cross-sectional view in FIG. 11 b. The controller 40 comprises a cylinder 110 received in a bore 111 and slidably engaged with the bore. An orifice 117 allows for flow engagement of fluid 116 between a reservoir 114 and the transport tube 112. The reservoir is either a chamber of the cylinder or is in flow communication with a chamber of the cylinder. The cylinder, which may be a needle valve, decreases the cross-sectional open area of the orifice by physical blockage and therefore the further the cylinder extends into the bore the smaller the orifice becomes up to, and including, complete closure of the orifice. The amount of liquid allowed to flow through the orifice is therefore limited by the extension of the cylinder into the bore. A smaller orifice corresponds to more restrictive flow resulting in higher rotational resistance of the actuator. The cylinder may be a needle valve. Movement of the bore in the cylinder is preferably controlled by an external adjustment 118 which may be a simple mechanical adjustment such as a knurled knob with a threaded bore or it may be a powered adjustment 120 such as an electrical device wherein the electrical device may be a programmable device. The powered adjustment may be in communication with at least one additional sensor 122 such as a positional sensor for the accessory, the hydraulic rotational actuator, pressure in the universal hydraulic actuator or some combination thereof. In its simplest embodiment, the cylinder is manually adjustable by a user, but the cylinder is also easily configured for electronic controls through other means such as a stepper motor. Once the cylinder is turned the amount of fluid traveling through the orifice into the manifold is controlled so as to provide differing degrees of resistance to rotation of the shaft in the actuator. A smaller amount of fluid flow increases resistance, whereas a greater amount of fluid flow decreases resistance. Moreover, the adjustable resistive means may be configured to include, without limitation, an electronic adjustable valve, a magnetic adjustable valve, electronic HMI (Human Machine Interface), a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), a microcontroller, an I/O (Input/Output) module, a power supply, an encoder, and a pressure transducer all of which are well known commercially available control systems for devices and not further detailed herein.

A particular advantage is the ability to tailor the rotational resistance either prior to a particulary usage or during usage. The powered controller may include a pressure sensor, such as a pressure transducer, or a postion sensor for each hydraulic rotational actuator thereby allowing for feedback to a microcontroller. The flow can then be controlled based on cylinder pressure, accesory location or combinations thereof to provide increased or decreased rotational resistance as a function of time, location or some combination thereof. By way of non-limiting example this allows certain areas of the range of motion to be restricted or for areas of the range of motion may have more or less resistance to enhance certain exercises. Exercises may therefore be designed wherein motions which are not ergonimically sound can be eliminated or restricted.

The accessory is not particularly limited herein with various accessory apparatuses being considered with each enabling the user to perform a wide variety of exercises in seated, standing or laying positions while otherwise stationary or parts of the body, or the entire body, may move in concert with the movement of the accessory. Other embodiments of the invention comprise various attachments that fit into the receiver including but not limited to: straight bar(s) for push/pull exercises; formed bar(s) for push/pull exercises; swivel handles for rotational exercises such as overhand throwing; rowing attachments; sport-specific attachments that will allow users to mimic rotational movement used in sports such as golf, baseball, tennis, and the like; straight shafts used as a bearing surface; and leg and foot attachments such as straps, braces, etc. It is preferable that the accessory attach to the mount. A simple pin and shaft arrangement, for example, allows for quick connection of various accessory shafts to the mount of the universal joint.

Preferred embodiments of the invention may also comprise: a standing platform; benches or seats, both stationary and movable; an extension track; mounting hardware for floor and wall anchoring; pins or tethers to lock the system into exercise-specific position(s) and the like.

The invention can also be used on a floor. The user's stance could be in the center of multiple accessories a short distance from the rail. Or the user can rotate the track 90 degrees from the wall to the floor as he or she changes exercises.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments without limit thereto. One of skill in the art would realize additional embodiments and alterations which are not specifically set forth herein but which are within the scope of the invention as more specifically set forth in the claims appended hereto. 

1. A modular exercise system comprising: a mount; a universal hydraulic actuator attached to said mount; and a connector attached to said universal hydraulic actuator opposite said mount; wherein each hydraulic rotary actuator of said hydraulic rotary actuators has a resistance control; and wherein said resistance control is selected from coupled and independent.
 2. The modular exercise system of claim 1 wherein said universal hydraulic actuator comprises two hydraulic rotary actuators with non-parallel axis of rotation.
 3. The modular exercise system of claim 2 wherein said rotary hydraulic rotary actuators have orthogonal axis of rotation.
 4. The modular exercise system of claim 1 wherein said resistance control comprises a device selected from mechanical control and powered control.
 5. The modular exercise system of claim 1 wherein said resistance control comprises a magentorheological fluid controller.
 6. The modular exercise system of claim 1 wherein said powered control is coupled with an additional sensor.
 7. The modular exercise system of claim 6 wherein said additional sensor is selected from a pressure sensor and a positional sensor.
 8. The modular exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a rail and an attachment between said mount and said rail.
 9. The modular exercise system of claim 8 wherein said attachment comprises at least one of a sliding attachment and a rotational attachment.
 10. The modular exercise system of claim 1 further comprising an accessory attached to said connector.
 11. The modular exercise system of claim 10 wherein said accessory further comprises a sliding collar.
 12. The modular exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a second universal hydraulic actuator.
 13. The modular exercise system of claim 12 further wherein said universal hydraulic actuator and said second universal hydraulic actuator are on a common rail.
 14. The modular exercise system of claim 12 further wherein said universal hydraulic actuator and said second universal hydraulic actuator are on different rails.
 15. The modular exercise system of claim 12 comprising four universal hydraulic actuators. 